Health Care Oversight Committee

Formerly the Health Access Oversight Committee, changed July 1, 2012

The Health Care Oversight Committee shall monitor, oversee, and provide a continuing review of health care and human services programs in Vermont when the General Assembly is not in session, including programs and initiatives related to mental health, substance abuse treatment, and health care reform.

Print

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

11-1

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Convene

10:35 AM

Review Statutory Charge

• Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

10:45 AM

Nominate; Elect Co-Chairs

10:50 AM

Health Care Ombudsman Report

• Trinka Kerr, Health Care Ombudsman
  

11:00 AM

Long Term Care Ombudsman Report

• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  

11:15 AM

Update from the Department of Vermont Health Access

Enrollment in Public Programs and other Issues

• Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
  

11:30 AM

Update on the Studies and Workgroups from H.202

• Anya Rader Wallack, Special Assistant to the Governor on Health Care, Governor's Office
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Update from the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

a) Long Term Care Issues, b) Adult Protective Services, c) Licensing of Facilities and d) Inspections

• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

2:00 PM

Setting Priorities and Date for 2011 Interim

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

11-1

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Blueprint for Health Update

• Dr. Lisa Dulsky Watkins, Blueprint Associate Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  

10:50 AM

Payment Reform Update

• Richard Slusky, Director of Payment Reform, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  

11:10 AM

Department of Vermont Heatlh Access (DVHA) Cost Savings Initiatives

(DUR Board, CURB, etc.)

• Daljit Clark, RN, Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• Nancy Hogue, Pharm D., Director of Pharmacy Services, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Public Comment

1:15 AM

Health Information Technology

• Hunt Blair, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Health Care Reform and State Information Tech. Coord., Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

Act 48 Major Intitatives

• Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
  

3:00 PM

Committee Discussion

(Scheduling of next meeting and discussion of agenda)

3:30 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

11-7,8,9.10,11

Meeting Record

10:30 AM

Convene

10:35 AM

Update on GMC Board and Hospital Budget Process

• Michael Davis, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration
  
• Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
  
• Anya Rader Wallack, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
  

11:00 AM

Cost-Sharing for services received in hospital-owned practices

• Michael Del Trecco, Vice President of Finance, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
  
• Steve Josselyn, Rutland (by phone)
  
• David Martini, General Counsel, Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration
  
• Clifford Peterson, Assistant General Counsel, Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration
  

11:45 AM

Update on Vermont State Hospital-Interim and Long-Term Plans

• Patrick Flood, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Human Services
  

12:00 PM

Access to Care for Pain Management and Abuse of Controlled Substances

• Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
  
• Barbara Cimaglio, Deputy Commissioner, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, Dept. of Health
  
• Patricia King MD, (by Phone)
  
• Madeleine Mongan, Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
  

12:55 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Adult Protective Services

• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  
• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

1:45 PM

NCQA Scoring Criteria and the Blueprint for Health

• Craig Jones, Director, Vermont Blueprint for Health
  
• Dr. Paul J. Reiss
  

2:00 PM

Health Care Ombudsman - Report and Update

• Lila Richardson, Staff Attorney, Office of Vermont Health Care Ombudsman
  

3:00 PM

Review and Discussion of Legislative Charge

• Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

3:30 PM

Committee Discussion and December Agenda Planning

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

11-12,13,14,15

Meeting Record

10:45 AM

HIT, HIE Privacy and Security and the HIT Fund Budget

• Hunt Blair, Director of Health Care Reform, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• David Cochran MD, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
  

11:45 AM

Dual Eligible Project

• Patrick Flood, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Human Services
  

12:30 PM

Primary Care and Mental Health Workforce Development

• Denis Barton, Director, Office of Primary Care and AHEC Program, Fletcher Allen Health Care
  
• Rodger Kessler, Mental Health Practitioner and UVM Researcher
  
• Charles MacLean MD, Associate Dean for Primary Care and Research Director, Office of Primary Care and AHEC Program, Fletcher Allen Health Care
  

1:30 PM

HAOC Discussion/Report Recommendations

4:00 PM

Adjourn

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

12-1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Health Information Technology

Witnesses are here to address application of HIT in the field- How is HIT working in the field and are we on schedule for take up rates? Memo from Hunt Blair for committee discussion

• David Cochran MD, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
  
• Craig Jones, Director, Vermont Blueprint for Health
  
• Hans Kastensmith, Principal, Capitol Health Associates
  
• Laural Ruggles, Project Manager, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
  

9:45 AM

Health Benefits Exchange

Update and wrap options

• Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
  

10:30 AM

Choices for Care

Reinvestment strategy

• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

11:00 AM

Adult Protective Services

Report as per H.290

• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  
• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

11:30 AM

Licensing and Protection

Quality assurance and transparency

• Suzanne Leavitt, Director of Licensing and Protection, Department of Aging & Independent Living
  
• Jill Olson, VP Policy and Operations, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
  
• Laura Pelosi, Executive Director, Vermont Health Care Association
  
• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

12:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Mental Health System of Care

Reporting of adverse events in designated hospitals and agencies, 12 month timeline, quality assurance and Buildout

• Patrick Flood, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  
• Mary Moulton, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  
• Frank Reed, Mental Health Services Director, Department of Mental Health
  
• Robert Simpson, CEO, Brattleboro Retreat
  

2:45 PM

Behavioral Health Policy Collaborative

Update on site visit for system evaluation

• Patrick Flood, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  

3:00 PM

Public Comment

• Tracy Gilman, Stowe
  

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Future Meeting Planning

3:45 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

12-6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Organization

Committee Charge and Leadership

• Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

9:15 AM

Health Information Technology

HIT Implementation Update
HANDOUT- June 11, 2012 memo from Hunt Blair
HANDOUT- DVHA- Division of Health Reform HIT/VHIE Activity Summary Chart
HANDOUT- State and Federal Investments in Clinical Health Information Technology
HANDOUT- David Cochran presentation

• Hunt Blair, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• David Cochran MD, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
  
• Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• Steve Maier, Health Care Reform Manager, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  

10:50 AM

Adult Protective Services

Harmony Demonstration and Monthly Update
HANDOUT- June 2012 APS Data Report
HANDOUT- Adult Protective Services Harmony presentation

• Suzanne Leavitt, Director of Licensing and Protection, Department of Aging & Independent Living
  
• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

11:35 AM

Choices for Care

Savings Reinvestment Strategies
HANDOUT- June 25, 2012 letter to Commissioner Wehry
HANDOUT- Choices for Care Rate Increases
HANDOUT- CFC Projections and Investments presentation
HANDOUT- Choices for Care language, Jen Carbee

• Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  
• Bard Hill, Dual Eligibles Project, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  
• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

12:30 PM

Health Care Ombudsman

Act 171 Study
HANDOUT- Ombudsman April-June Report and Narrative

• Trinka Kerr, Health Care Ombudsman
  

12:35 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Health Benefits Exchange

Vermont Health CO-OP and Level Two Grant Updates
HANDOUT- Global Commitment and Choices for Care Preliminary ACA Transition Plan
HANDOUT- July 9, 2012 letter from Governor to Mr. Larsen
HANDOUT- Level Two Grant Summary, Lunge

• Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
  

1:45 PM

Act 162

Medicare Savings Plan and Cost of Living Adjustment
HANDOUT- June 7, 2012 letter to Commissioner Larson
HANDOUT- June 13, 2012 letter from Richard Giddings
HANDOUT- June 29, 2012 email from Michael Sirotkin

• Richard Giddings, Deputy Commissioner, Department for Children and Families
  
• Trinka Kerr, Health Care Ombudsman
  
• David Yacovone, Commissioner, Department for Children & Families
  

2:15 PM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Facilities, Programs and System Update

• Mary Moulton, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  

2:50 PM

Public Comment

HANDOUT- July 17, 2012 letter from Vermont Homecare United

• Myscha Butt, Vermont Homecare United
  
• Michael Sirotkin, Lobbyist
  
• Cheryl Webber, Vermont Homecare United
  

3:30 PM

Adjourn

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

12-12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Adult Protective Services

Monthly Update, Investigation Data Collection, Case Outcomes, Reporting Requirements from H.290
HANDOUT#1- July 2012 APS Data Report
HANDOUT #2- Intake Process and Information Gathered
HANDOUT #3- Reporting Requirements from H.290
HANDOUT #4- APS Committee and Working Group Membership

• John Barbour, Champlain Valley, Area Agencies on Aging
  
• Suzanne Leavitt, Director of Licensing and Protection, Department of Aging & Independent Living
  
• Veda Lyon, Adult Protective Services Chief, Department of Disability, Aging & Independent Living
  
• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  

10:00 AM

Choices for Care

Reinvestment Strategy
HANDOUT #5- July 24, 2012 letter from HCOC
HANDOUT #6- August 3, 2012 letter from Commissioner Wehry
HANDOUT #6A- Sirotkin written testimony
HANDOUT #6B- Moderate Needs Waiting List Numbers by Agency
HANDOUT #7- Dementia Care in Nursing Homes

• Camille George, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  
• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  
• Michael Sirotkin, COVE
  

10:30 AM

Hospital Budgets and the Budget Review Process

HANDOUT #8- Vermont Hospitals FY 2013 Budget Submissions presentation

• Georgia Maheras, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
  
• Anya Rader Wallack, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
  

11:00 AM

Health Benefits Exchange

Update
HANDOUT #9- GMCB Health Benefit Exchange Recommendations Summary presentation
HANDOUT- Vermont Health Connect proposed logo

• Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
  

11:30 AM

Health Information Technology

Provider response, VITL, Financial Update, Privacy Issues, HIT Timeline, Health Benefit Exchange, MMIS and other systems
HANDOUT- Vermont's HIT Landscape: A Field Guide
HANDOUT- August 14, 2012 memo from Hunt Blair

• Hunt Blair, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• Steve Maier, Health Care Reform Manager, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Vermont State Hospital

FEMA funding, Mental Health System of Care

• Patrick Flood, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  
• Jeb Spaulding, Secretary, Agency of Administration
  

1:45 PM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Timeline, Budget and Systems
HANDOUT- Vermont DMH Proposed Dashboard

• Patrick Flood, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  

2:15 PM

Public Comment

• Michael Burts, Consumer, Choices for Care
  
• Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  
• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

2:30 PM

Committee Discussion

3:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

12-17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Adult Protective Services

Monthly update, Report on Outcomes/Referrals, Harmony System
HANDOUT- APS Reporting Numbers SFY 2013
HANDOUT- Harmony Screenshots
HANDOUT- Civil Penalties which may be imposed against those who abuse, neglect, or exploit vulnerable adults

• Suzanne Leavitt, Director of Licensing and Protection, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  
• Tammy Wehmeyer, Department of Disability, Aging & Independent Living
  

10:00 AM

Choices for Care

Psychotropic medication settlement and OASIS
HANDOUT- testimony from Laura Pelosi
HANDOUT- email from Commissioner Wehry 9/18
HANDOUT- email from Stuart Schurr 9/12
HANDOUT- memo from Secretary Racine 9/19 (question #2)
HANDOUT- Schullenberger/ Conrad testimony
HANDOUT- Moderate Needs Wait LIst Numbers by Agency

• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  
• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  
• Laura Pelosi, Executive Director, Vermont Health Care Association
  
• Michael Sirotkin, COVE
  

10:15 AM

Choices for Care: Allocation of Savings

Committee Discussion & Recommendations: Wage Increases, Caseload Reserve, and OASIS

• Camille George, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

11:00 AM

Health Care Reform Update

GMCB discussion on cost sharing in the exchange, Waiver negotiation update, and Update on Rehabilitative v. Habilitative service coverage in the exchange
HANDOUT- Robin's presentation

• Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
  

11:15 AM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Geographic convenience of treatment; Updates on facilities, programming, personnel, and financing
HANDOUT- Update on Act 79 Implementation
HANDOUT- Vermont Department of Mental Health Proposed Dashboard

• Patrick Flood, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  

12:00 PM

Lunch

Working Lunch

12:30 PM

Fletcher Allen and Dartmouth Proposed ACO

Impact on health care reform in Vermont
HANDOUT- OneCare Vermont ACO, LLC Frequently-Asked Questions

• Todd Moore, Senior Vice President, Accountable Care and Revenue Strategy, Fletcher Allen Health Care
  
• Norman Ward, M.D., Executive Medical Director for Accountable Care, Fletcher Allen Health Care
  

1:00 PM

Public Comment

HANDOUT- 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

• Willow Emerson
  

1:15 PM

Committee Discussion

Review of memos submitted to the committee
HANDOUT- Memo from Racine 9/19 (question 1)
HANDOUT- Memo from Cliff Peterson 9/14, S.200
HANDOUT- Quarterly Report to HCOC from DVHA, Pharmacy Benefit Management Program
HANDOUT- GMCB Hospital Budget Decisions 9/13/12
HANDOUT- Potential HCOC Report Recommendations to Committees of Jurisdiction
HANDOUT- Counterpoint, Fall 2012

• Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

1:55 PM

Select Future Meeting Dates

2:00 PM

Adjourn

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

CDs

12-22, 23, 24, 25

Meeting Record

9:20 AM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

HANDOUT: Update on Act 79 Implementation

• Patrick Flood, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  

9:30 AM

Department for Children and Families Programs Update

LIHEAP, MSP COLA, and 3Squares Vermont
HANDOUT: October 18, 2012 letter from Giddings

• Richard Giddings, Deputy Commissioner, Department for Children and Families
  
• Rick Smith, Quality Control and Fraud Unit, Director, Department for Children and Families
  

10:40 AM

Adult Protective Services

Recommendations from APS Subcommittee
HANDOUT: Recommendations regarding APS report

• Sen. Sally Fox, Adult Protective Services Subcommittee
  
• Rep. Anne Theresa O'Brien, Adult Protective Services Subcommittee
  
• Rep. Ann Pugh, Adult Protective Services Subcommittee
  
• Doug Racine, Secretary, Agency of Human Services
  

10:50 AM

Choices for Care

Reinvestment Update
HANDOUT: Choices for Care Update
HANDOUT: September 24, 2012 letter to Secretary Racine
HANDOUT: October 19, 2012 response from Secretary Racine

• Doug Racine, Secretary, Agency of Human Services
  
• Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  

11:45 AM

Lunch

Working Lunch

12:10 PM

Committee Charge

Discussion of Health Care Oversight Committee Mission
HANDOUT: Health Care Oversight Committee Charge

• Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  

12:30 PM

Recommendation List

Committee Discussion
HANDOUT- List of Committee Recommendations
See Also:
HANDOUT: CfC rate Increases
HANDOUT- September 21, 2012 letter to Mr. Moore and Dr. Ward re: ACO
HANDOUT- October 19, 2012 response from Todd Moore re: ACO
HANDOUT- OneCare Vermont ACO, LLC application (lengthy document, please email akessler@leg.state.vt.us for electronic version)
HANDOUT- October 19, 2012 VITL CEO update from Don George
HANDOUT- Health Reform Update from Robin Lunge
HANDOUT- October 19, 2012 letter from Larson re: Bus pass program
HANDOUT- Insurance Coop and Chiropractor email from Kimbell

• Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
  
• Jackie Majoros, Long Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid
  

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Future Meetings

December 4, 2012 meeting

2:30 PM

Adjourn

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